The Habit of Rest

Can you feel it? The summer stretching out. The call to get out and enjoy these days with abundant sunshine.

We have. You may have noticed that our authors here at Habits for a Happy Home are taking a break. We hit the busy, full calendar time of spring and things got quiet here on our group blog.

We want to acknowledge that the habit of rest is good. We suggest you rest and take a break too. And if you find your way here, we’ve gathered a few restful posts to encourage just such a habit.

Rest, Mama – It’s been a long year. But you have rested a little while, and there are tasks calling. You might, just possibly, gain a bit of leverage by starting to work now, filling your sacks of heavy sand and beginning the line of a wall along the river of next year’s demands. The river will rise. We all know it. Not next week, but maybe in a month, certainly in December with the storms of busyness over the holidays, and likely in the spring with all of its expectations. But now, at this moment, your world is calm. The house rests, because you, Mama, are resting. Didn’t you know that?

Am I Really Resting? – Then I heard a little whisper from the Lord saying to me, “you don’t need more time for yourself, you need more time for Me.” So I decided to try things a bit differently. I closed the laptop and reached for my Bible. For 15 minutes I just sat and read and asked God to give me the energy I need to finish the day strong. I looked up the word “weary” and reflected on what I found in those pages.

A Season of Rest – It is a time to sit back and look over the year. How have the seeds you have planted this year done? Some have done well, so plant more next year. Some may need a little tending and encouragement. Some may have grown a little too large. Prune them. Some may have done poorly or even died. Maybe it’s just not the right time or place for those. Pull them up and plant something more appropriate.

His Ways Are Not Our Ways – I want to remind us to remember the habit that really matters…love. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Then let His love pour out through you into your husband and children. Give a hug, read a story, get up early and make a special breakfast. Listen, really listen, to your teenager. Let that love spill over to other believers, especially those hurting or in need.

Water and the Word – Let me encourage you to get your Bible and take a BIG GULP before this day ends. It will quench your thirsty soul!

Just Take a Nap – “Honey, take a nap.” Some of the best advice my grandmother ever gave me. Yes, young children need a nap. But did you know that mothers need one too?

Early to Rise – So much better than before. I actually look forward to them waking up in the morning. And the occasional morning that they sleep in and we don’t get to have our Bible time, I miss it. And if I decide to sleep in and I’m not up when the freight train comes barreling down the hall, we have our Bible time in my bed.

A Worry Free Life – Our lack of worry—our obvious confidence in God—is an example that other people see. The peacefulness on our faces even in the midst of trials. The absence of worry lines across our foreheads.

Every Day – I have been struck today with the reminder of how gracious my God is to me. He gives me so many good gifts. . .my little family..

The Habit of Running Well – As mothers there are seasons in our lives, we can feel alone, isolated and unappreciated. It is in those times that the enemy will try to discourage us and get us to shift our focus onto ourselves instead of the goal set before us.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

But we will be back. Our authors are talking about a series…Happy Summer dear Habits readers!

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About Hodgepodgemom

Tricia faces a daily dose of chaos homeschooling five children. The biggest lesson she’s learned? At the end of the day – when the dishes are put away and the children are tucked in bed – truly what matters is each child’s relationship with the Lord. Raising children is a God-given privilege and, folks, the time is short.

Comments

Beautiful reminder that all Moms need to really consider. We all need rest. Rest from work, from projects, computers and time to just sit back and allow our bodies and minds to be refreshed. our children need the same. Thank you for this.